This represents the evolution of the ombré hair trend, but it’s much more blended and thus, more wearable.

“You get this color by keeping the base the natural color and then softly lightening with cool blonde tones. Everything should be gradually blended to the ends,” says Daniel Villano, celebrity colorist at Frédéric Fekkai Fifth Avenue Salon. “Be prepared to do more than one process and possibly multiple visits to get the light tones at the bottom just right. But once you achieve it, there is very minimal maintenance and will be well worth it!”

As an added bonus, says Villano, “This color grows out very well and suits most natural bases as long as your hair is not dark brown or black.”

To get it, you should try bayalage, which “is used on the midshaft through the ends while the root color is boosted a level lighter than the natural color to create contrast. To protect your balayage investment, use an ultra-hydrating hair treatment like Julien Farel Vitamin Restore,” says Leppard.

So, can you make this work for you? Sure, says Leppard, but it’s best suited for those of us lucky enough to have thicker hair, to better show off the “many variances of color. This…look is popular due to the flattering tones and the texture and movement it creates.”

And expect to see it take off, in a big way. “It simply works and looks amazing when done well,” says Villano. “The blended natural base tones working to a lighter blonde on the ends give brunettes the ability to be blonde but still look natural. It also has started trending because it can work well on such a variety of skin and hair colors. I see this moving into a more mélange where all the colors are so blended but closer to people’s natural hair color.”